Food cravings during pregnancy are crazy. One moment, you want something sour, then resort to something sweet minutes later. There are times that you can’t control your food intake which can result in being overweight, and this is not a good thing. Your health and well-being should be your top concern while you are pregnant so you have to take a proper diet. Well, you can still have your guilty pleasures from time to time; especially when you are already dead drooling. Sweet treats are a threat to your health when consumed excessively; and if you are a sucker for these such as ice cream, watch out. On the bright side; fret not for not indulging in these sweet sins, as we present to you an alternative way – fruity popsicles! Unfold its addicting taste as well as its surprising benefits while consuming it during pregnancy.
What are the Benefits of Consuming Popsicles During Pregnancy?
Below are some of the good reasons why you should be munching popsicles while you are pregnant.
It gets rid of morning sickness.
An approximate of 75% of pregnant women are reported to suffer from this mostly in the first trimester. Raging hormones are the reasons behind it, and it appeared from multiple studies that morning sickness might be an indication of a healthier and stronger growing baby. Well, it is not bad after all. Pregnant women struggling with morning sickness tend to have difficulty digesting food and keeping it down. But fret not for as long as you are keeping up with your proper intake of fluids. With this, popsicles that are frozen can be of great help. It is easy to digest and does not contain a distinct smell like other foods that can cause nausea. A lot of pregnant women agree that crunching popsicles alleviate their morning sickness.
It fights off heartburn.
Heartburn or also known as acid reflux is an unpleasant feeling mostly as it has its peak at the end of the pregnancy course. The placenta supplies the hormone which is called progesterone that aids relax the muscles in the uterus during pregnancy. It also causes the valve between the stomach and the esophagus to open, therefore triggering the stomach acids to have their way back easily. Ice is an effective natural remedy to combat this uncomfortable feeling during pregnancy.
It combats the heat.
The rise in the volume of the blood can make pregnant women feel extra hot. It is said that blood volume rise by up to fifty percent causing blood vessels to dilate and have difficulties coping with it. As a result, blood comes up to the surface making you feel warmer. Moreover, metabolism also increases especially in the third trimester resulting in a feeling of excessive heat. The bonus of being pregnant during summer can ramp up the heat, even more, imagine that one of a kind experience! But munching on popsicles can fight off this annoying feeling. Heat can be knocked down to some extent and can keep you hydrated and your baby as well.
For iron deficiency.
This should demand careful consideration. As the three others are relatively harmless, this one can be an indication of a more serious deficiency to minerals. A compelling and repetitive gobbling up on frozen foods such as ice cubes may be a link to a pica. Pica is the strong feeling to consume non-food stuff having no nutritional value at all (chalk, clay, glue, sand, flaked paint) to mention a few. Fortunately, popsicles are not a threat unlike other items mentioned. But take note that pica is a disorder to eating which can lead to more complications during pregnancy. Let’s say anemia, your doctor may suggest you take B12 vitamins and dietary alterations.
Are there any Risk of Consuming Popsicles During Pregnancy?
A pregnant woman should be aware of underlying problems when popsicles are consumed excessively. These include:
- Sore throat.
- Tooth problems.
- Choking.
Watch out for these hazards when eating popsicles. Moreover, as we always say, eat in moderation.
How to Prepare a Healthy Tasty Popsicles for Pregnancy?
These fruity popsicles are alternative ways to those sweet ice creams. Take a look at these few recipes which can be easily prepared in the heart of your own homes.
Each recipe needs a popsicle mold, measuring cups, food processor, and mixing bowls.
Peach Popsicle – This fruit is iron-riched and perfect for pregnant women since some expecting mamas are at high risk of having an iron deficiency that may lead to anemia.
Grab four ripe peaches since the riper the sweeter. Blend it in a food processor and add a squeezed half lemon; two tablespoons of sugar, or an orange juice for a native sweetness. Blend all the ingredients until it became smooth. Put it in a molder of your choice and place it in the freezer overnight or for at least for hours.
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Coconut Popsicle – This naturally sweet fruit is perfect for hydration and poured with Lauric acid ideal for a stronger immunity for you and your baby.
Prepare one or two cups of coconut milk, one tablespoon vanilla abstract, three tablespoons real maple syrup; and one tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut or coconut flakes. Mix all of the ingredients. Put it in a molder of your choice and place it in the freezer overnight or for at least for hours.
Banana and Strawberry Popsicle – Bananas are rich in potassium that aids in the rise of energy, and ease sickness for pregnancy. Whereas, strawberries contain folic acid which is known to be the queen of all vitamins for pregnancy.
Read also: Do you consider chia seeds for pregnant women
Snatch one ripe banana and twelve large strawberries. Blend it. Consider getting a banana sweet enough to catch up with your sweet cravings, and strawberries that have sufficient fluids. If failed to no avail, you can add an ample amount of orange juice to the mixture to make it sweet and smooth as well. Put it in a molder of your choice and place it in the freezer overnight or for at least for hours.
Mango Popsicle – Enriched with vitamin B6, this is perfect for supplying mamas and their baby with brain-boosting essentials, and the production of red blood cells.
Prepare four ripe and sweet mangoes and slice it into cubes. Blend it in a food processor. Pour one cup of coconut milk or almond, and another cup of vanilla yogurt (opt for Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and to have protein boost). Once the mixture is smooth enough, put it in a molder of your choice and place it in the freezer overnight or for at least for hours.
Watermelon Popsicle – This wonder fruit is packed with lots of vitamin C aside from being hydrating (contains 92% water). It supplies collagen which is the essence for healthy skin.
Read also: Hot flashes during pregnancy how to deal with it
Grab a whole medium-size seedless watermelon and cut it in pieces. Blend it and pour it in your chosen mold. You have the option to make the mixture thicker by adding fruits of your choice. It can be a kiwi or a lime for a summer blend. Freeze it overnight or for at least four hours.
